University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax and strap in for the ride of a lifetime. It would be necessary to explain the importance of finishing out the high school year's strongly in order to show the college of future attendance how hard you are willing to work by going out strong. Also, I would say to take the ACT and the SAT as many times as possible in order to qualify for better forms of financial and scholarships. By doing that, it can only show the college you are willing to do anything in order for success in the long run. Another way to make the transition is by taking harder classes. The harder the classes in the high school years, the better chance of success in the advanced education goals. I would end by telling myself as a high school senior to just be the person who they would want to be. Work well with others by being a leader, cooperative, a good listener and an efficient note taker for all parties in the group. This will make the transition easier. Thank you

Vincent, focus and think had about majors that will guarantee happiness because money comes second. Make sure it's realistic and you can find a job in it while growing as a person during your career. Ignore what others think and their judgments they will inevitably cast on your decision. Your family and friends do not define who you want to be. College is also going to blow you away. High school may have been your #1 in your mind, but once you adapt to the open freedom of a college life, you will never look back other than to occasionally reminisce. Those were good days bud, but trust me, there are brighter days ahead. You learn about yourself and what your passion(s) are. Enjoy your last year at high school, but your book isn't done yet.

Ambition is more often than not the limiting factor on your own success. Once you've identified a goal, pursue it, actively - and if you truly do want it, you will find a way. Deciding you want to become a lawyer (which you are now, 18 year-old me - save yourself freshman year and don't take that irrelevant math class!) means getting your GPA up from day one, researching schools and programs, and studying for the LSAT not a month before but several months or more beforehand. It means looking into writing an article for a school journal, or applying early to that internship. Build yourself up and be proud of your discipline. That time spent isn't a sacrifice, but an investment, and the cost is small. The greatest regret I have, as I get ready for law school, is knowing what more I could have done if I had spent just 30 more uninterrupted minutes per day studying or thinking about my future. Take advantage of your early college years to branch out, do as many fun activities as you can, whatever excites you - but guarantee time for studying, and cultivation. You won't regret it.

Fred, when you get to college, there are many challenges you will face. peer pressure for the most of it will try to pull you down but you know why you are going to college, education should always come first. be determined and be focussed. suffer today for the betterment of tomorrow. there are alot of eyes that are on you. look at how much your parents have gone through to raise you up to where you are today, would you turn all that suffering into nothing of worth to you or to them? be careful how you live your life because your deeds will determine your destiny. study hard, have fun and enjoy yourself. be the best of a student and a person that you have always been. JUST REMEMBER, YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON YOU.

“Take a deep breath.Things will sort themselves out”. When I didn’t get into my top schools out of high school, I was devastated. My back up schools had offered me zero financial aid and although I visited other campuses in an attempt to convince myself that settling for less and taking out loans would be fine, I soon found myself looking at community college as an option. I had been a straight A student whose resume was embellished with extra curricular activities, awards and leadership positions. As a high school senior, my mind was plagued with what seemed the terrible idea of attending community college, a place I had always avoided. Had I known that community college was going to be the best thing to happen to me, I would have told my anxious, defeated, pessimistic senior self that choosing to not settle was the best idea. Community college allowed me to establish relationships with staff that later led to research opportunities in my field, scholarships and my figuring out what career path to embark on at a higher institution. All I needed was a little faith and optimism, both in myself and in the future.

I would tell myself to work harder, have time management, and to make life into a game. They are fairly straight-forward though the third one may require more explanation. I would say to make life into a game because of a TED talk I watched: Jane McGonigal’s “The game that can give you 10 extra years of life.” The premise is that gamifying life leads to growth, focus, and resilience. By having milestones and progress bars, you can see how much you’ve progressed and achieved so that studying creates a tangible benefit. Yet, at the same time, college is more than studying for the next exam. It’s about building relationships. It’s about going to see a movie with friends, eating together, and celebrating special events. College is about building bonds that will last a lifetime. People on their deathbeds regret having worked so hard, not keeping in touch with friends, and doing what others expected of them. I would tell myself to keep reading words of wisdom but to also remember that it is more important to go out and live the life I dream of.

If I could give my high school self advice about college, I would first tell myself to calm down and be open to experiencing the new opportunities at college. I would encourage myself to branch out and try different clubs and to not be too hard on myself when I don't get an "A" in every class. I would tell myself to go to the professors' office hours because that's a great way to forge a good relationship with them. I would tell myself to not worry about handling the courseload and instead to put my energy into finding my own way to digest and remember the material. I would tell myself to make sure to call my parents every once in a while, and to make a little time each day to step away from my friends and relax in a treasured bit of privacy. I would encourage myself to take an art class even though my major makes taking one extremely difficult, but to persevere because it will make me happy. FInally, I would reassure myself that college will be a fantastic experience, and that I have wonderful friends waiting to meet me there.

If I had a change to give my high school senior self advice about college, I would try to save myself a lot of anxiety and struggle. I would tell myself that I was doing everything right by joining the workforce for a few years to figure out what kind of job I ultimately want. Aside from reassuring myself, I would let myself know that more than anything, it is a stable life and a supportive environment that will help me succeed in college. I would tell myself to go ahead and get all the traveling out of my system and then settle somewhere where I can imagine staying for a while and investing in a solid network. I have found that having a safe, comfortable home, friends that are supportive and loving, and a healthy connection to my neighborhood and community are absolutely necessary. They give me the strength to fully devote myself to my studies because learning takes energy and support. That I need a network and a sense of belonging in order to achieve my educational goals is definitely something I didn’t know in high school.

As much fun as you may be having, Never, EVER forget about homework. Grades should always come first. Building relationships is always important but don't let it get in the way of grades. There is plenty of time to find the special someone in the future, so don't let it get to you early on. Don't let a girl get you down because there will be plenty of time in the future to find someone better.

Reflecting now, I would advise myself to brace myself for the ignorance of others outside my socioeconomic status, racial group and gender in order to not be discouraged by the remarks of hostile students toward myself or my friends. I would also advise myself to seek counseling, study groups, and help from others as a freshman in order to be prepared for the rigors of my courses which I feel I was not prepared because I was not provided with the proper resources in math or science in my pre-undergraduate education. Moreover, I would advise that not becoming a doctor, the dreams of many immigrant parents for their children, is not the end of the world but a new opportunity for the discovery of an alternate passionate profession, as I have found in desiring to be a clinical research psychologist and professor--in order to mentor the next generation of low income and minority students seeking a higher education. Lastly, I would simply advise myself to be strong in manuvering the uncharted territory that is college for first generation students since the path of trailblazers is not predetermined but forged by the numerous trials and tribulations overcome with perseverance.